Product Name : Acetic Acid
Synonyms : Ethanoic acid; Ethylic acid; Methanecarboxylic acid; Vinegar acid; vinegar; glacial acetic acid; Ethanoic acid; Acetaso
About the product : Acetic acid, an organic compound, is a colourless liquid with an overpowering odour. It forms the main component of Vinegar and tastes sour. It is not only a vital industrial chemical but is also utilized as household vinegar. Acetic acid is a weak acid but when concentrated can be harmful to the skin.
Product Identification Features :
CAS Number: 64-19-7
H.S. Code: 2915.21.0000
Chemical formula:CH3COOH
Chemical Properties :
Melting point: -16.6 C
Boling point: 117 - 118
Specific gravity: 1.05
Solubility in water: Soluble
Vapour density: 2.10
A brief history : The chemical derives its name from the Latin term acetum which means vinegar. In the 8th century, Muslim alchemist Jabir Ibn Hayyan concentrated acetic acid from vinegar for the first time. He achieved this through the process of distillation. During Renaissance, glacial acetic acid was produced via dry distillation of certain metal acetates. The presence of water in vinegar led to such significant differences in acetic acid's properties that for centuries chemists believed that glacial acetic acid and the acid found in vinegar were two different substances. It was Pierre Adet, a French chemist, who proved the two materials to be identical. In 1847, a German chemist Hermann Kolbe produced acetic acid from inorganic materials for the very first time.
Production Process :
Majority of this organic compound is produced via methanol carbonylation, wherein a reaction between methanol and carbon monoxide produces acetic acid.
CH3OH + CO → CH3COOH
There are two related processes for methanol carbonylation: the rhodium-catalyzed Monsanto process, and the iridium-catalyzed Cativa process. The Cativa process is considered to be more efficient and eco-friendly.
The second most preferred method of producing acetic acid is via oxidation of acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is produced via oxidation of butane or light naphtha, or by hydration of ethylene. When butane or light naphtha is heated with air in the presence of various metal ions, peroxides form and then decompose to produce acetic acid.
2 C4H10 + 5 O2 → 4 CH3COOH + 2 H2O
Some other methods of producing acetic acid include anaerobic fermentation, ethylene oxidation and oxidative fermentation.
Uses :
Used for producing printing and writing inks.
Used for manufacturing vitamin B12 via fermentation.
Used to produce flavours and spices
Used as a solvent to produce terephthalic acid (TPA).
Used as a chemical agent for the production of chemical compounds.
Used for production of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM).
Used in physical therapy.
